By Luke Mathews
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 7.9 (51) def. by AIRPORT WEST 16.11 (107)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West have continued their charge towards a finals berth, defeating Avondale Heights by 56 points at Canning Reserve.
Saturday’s win gives the Eagles finals chances a huge boost with Brent Taylor’s side now sitting just six points outside the top five after Aberfeldie and Greenvale failed to pick up four points on the weekend.
The visitors were slow out of the blocks and trailed by three points at quarter time before getting their noses in front at the main break.
The Eagles blew the game wide open when they piled on seven goals in the third term to set up a 38-point lead at the final change, before booting five fourth-quarter goals to runaway with a comfortable victory.
Captain Ned Gentile starred once again with the home grown product making the most of the wet conditions to kick five goals and set up the victory for his side.
Justin Cappelletti and Matthew Leeflang also contributed strongly.
Liam Bianco and Ben Hempel stood out for the home side with both men kicking three goals each on a day when they struggled to hit the scoreboard.
Airport West will be hoping to move closer to the top five when they host Greenvale, while Avondale Heights will travel to Keilor to take on the Blues.
ABERFELDIE 9.10 (64) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 11.11 (77)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars have recorded a huge upset, taking down Aberfeldie by 13 points.
A win would’ve almost guaranteed Aberfeldie a return to finals footy, but instead will need to win two of the final four games to assure them a spot in the top five.
The game appeared to be a tight tussle early with the home side taking a two point lead into quarter time and half time before Douttas got on top and opened up a 15-point three quarter time lead thanks to four third-quarter goals.
Abers were able to reduce the margin to one point after Douttas missed five shots in a row and the Rillas kicked two quick goals, however they weren’t able to capitalise on the momentum with the Stars kicking the final two goals to run away with the win.
Maison Goodman was instrumental in the win kicking two goals, while Michael Kiraly and Patrick McLaughlin both played pivotal roles with two goals each.
Despite going down, veteran Luke Davis led from the front with another solid game while Joey Dimasi and Jack Middleton fought hard all day.
Abers will be looking to bounce back when they take on rivals Strathmore at Lebanon Reserve, while Douttas will be hoping to make it two wins in a row when they face Deer Park at home.
STRATHMORE 8.17 (65) def. by KEILOR 9.13 (67)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor have survived a huge scare to come away with their fourteenth win for the year, defeating Strathmore by two points at Lebanon Reserve.
Saturday’s match is the only time anyone has gotten within 40 points of the reigning premiers this season and likely won’t be the last time these two sides see each other in 2024.
Coach Mick McGuane said his side had the ascendancy in the first half, however Strathmore’s work rate and hunt around the coal face as well as their clearance domination was far more superior in the third quarter which helped them to get back into the game.
He was pleased his side were able to hang in there and come away with the victory.
It seemed to be business as usual when Keilor got the jump on their rivals out of the gates and set up a 21-point lead by half time, however Strathmore were able to wrestle the momentum back their way with five third-quarter goals.
The ladder leaders took their opportunities late and got back in front to come away with another victory.
Josh Honey had another fantastic game with two goals while Oskar Smartt and Christos Kosmas stood tall late to help their side get over the line in a tight affair.
Athan Tsialtas was the most dominant forward on the ground with three goals, while Brock Egglestone had another good game along with Kade Mueller.
Strathmore will be hoping to get back on the winner’s list when they take on Aberfeldie at Lebanon Reserve, while Keilor will play Avondale Heights at home.
View this post on Instagram
EAST KEILOR 9.16 (70) def. by DEER PARK 12.9 (81)
MATCH CENTRE
Deer Park have broken their five-game losing streak defeating East Keilor by 11 points at Overland Reserve.
The loss drops East Keilor down to eighth on the ladder behind Essendon Doutta Stars while Deer Park remain in ninth spot and all but safe from relegation.
Scores were level at the first break before the Cougars were held goalless in the second term and trailed by 11 points at the main break.
Deer Park were able to maintain their lead in the second half thanks to six second half goals, while holding firm to only concede five goals to take their fourth win for the year.
Jamie Madigan’s side had plenty of contributors as captain Spiros Amarantidis, Nicolas Aleksovski, and Jackson Barling all stood out with two goals each.
Despite going down, Frank Campisi was a handful for the Deer Park defenders with four goals, while Matthew Dennis put in another superb performance with three goals.
Deer Park will be hoping for more of the same when they take on Essendon Doutta Stars at Nipper Jordan Oval, while East Keilor will take on Pascoe Vale at Overland Reserve.
PASCOE VALE 13.9 (87) def. GREENVALE 1.9 (15)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale have moved back into second spot on the ladder, defeating Greenvale by 72 points at Raeburn Reserve.
Saturday’s win is the Panthers eleventh for the year and are now firming for a home qualifying final', while Greenvale are still fifth on the ladder but now only have a six-point buffer on Airport West with a difficult fixture to finish the season.
It was Leigh Tudor’s side’s defence that set up the victory after they only conceded the one goal for the entire match while capitalising on opportunities in difficult conditions.
Last year’s preliminary finalists opened up a 42-point lead by half time and extended their lead to 65 points at the final change before cruising to a comfortable victory.
Josh Iacobaccio was dominant for the men in red and black with three goals, while youngsters Charles Bolmat and Mahmoud Taha provided plenty of spark with two goals each.
Corey Baker provided the only major highlight for the visitors kicking their only goal, however Jackson Kenneth and Jarryd Bonello fought hard on a difficult day.
Next week Pascoe Vale will travel to East Keilor to take on the Cougars, while Greenvale will play Airport West at Hansen Reserve in a game that will shape the top five.
By Luke Mathews
ABERFELDIE 3.3 (21) def. HILLSIDE 2.5 (17)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have handed Hillside their first loss for the year, defeating the Sharks by four points at Aberfeldie Park West.
Despite losing, Hillside’s top spot on the ladder isn’t under threat with the ladder leaders still a game and 45 percent clear of their nearest rivals while Aberfeldie have closed the gap on the top two.
It was a hot start for the home side who kicked the first two goals of the game to open up a 12-point lead at quarter time.
The lead was slashed to four points before a goalless third term set up a thrilling final quarter.
The ladder leaders got their noses in front when they goaled at the four-minute mark of the final term before Abers wrestled the lead back with five minutes to play and held on for their best win of the year.
Meg Grogan stood tall in just her fourth game of senior footy kicking one goal, while Erica Markesich and Emily Smith also hit the scoreboard to help their side get over the line.
Despite succumbing to their first loss for the year, Annie Gray and Kiara Rigg both put in solid performances and kicked one goal each.
Hillside will be hoping to bounce back next week when they take on Maribyrnong Park at home, while Aberfeldie will travel to Green Gully Road to take on Keilor.
Tense moments turned to jubilation for Abers after ending Hillside's unbeaten streak. (Image: Moments by Shaun)
MARIBYRNONG PARK 5.9 (39) def. KEILOR 4.4 (28)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park have picked up a crucial four points defeating Keilor by 11 points at Walsh Oval.
The win sees the Lions sit inside the top four with one game left to play and sets up a huge game with ladder leaders Hillside next week.
The game was evenly poised for much of the day with Marby taking a nine-point lead into every change before extending their advantage to 11 points by the final siren.
Tegan Matthews was dominant once again in difficult conditions, booting three majors to take her two goals clear at the top of the leading goal kickers tally, while Zhoe Drust and Charlotte Rayner both had solid games.
Despite going down, the visitors fought hard all day with Madeline Barton (two goals) and Emily O’Keefe (one goal) being rewarded for their efforts.
Maribyrnong Park will be hoping to secure a finals berth when they take on Hillside at Shark Park, while Keilor will host Aberfeldie.
MOONEE VALLEY 2.4 (16) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 1.2 (8)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley have taken a stirring win and given their finals chances a huge boost, defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by eight points at Ormond Park.
The win moves the Valley up to fifth on the ladder and equal on points with fourth-placed Maribyrnong Park, while Douttas have slipped to sixth spot but only one game outside of the four and have a far superior percentage than the two sides above them.
After an even first term with neither side able to find the big sticks, the home side kicked away in the second quarter with two goals to establish a 13-point lead at the main break.
A stalemate ensued for much of the second half with Douttas kicking their first goal 16 minutes into the final term, however they weren’t able to stage a last quarter comeback.
Tayla Hart-Aluni and Bronwyn Peddley made the most of their opportunities early with one goal each, while Kerri Magee put in an impressive performance to help her side get over the line.
Despite the tough loss, Jayla Rutley provided the major spark for her side kicking their only goal while Stephanie Mitchell and Aleesha Hobbs fought hard all day.
Moonee Valley will next travel to Oak Park to take on the Kangaroos while Douttas will host Westmeadows, with both sides needing a win to give themselves a chance of playing finals footy.
WESTMEADOWS 1.0 (6) def. by OAK PARK 7.7 (49)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park have recorded their eleventh win of the year defeating Westmeadows by 43 points at Willowbrook Reserve.
The win closes the gap on ladder leaders Hillside, however the reigning premiers still sit a game and a considerable amount of percentage behind their rivals.
The win was set up in the first quarter with the Kangaroos booting three first-quarter goals which never gave the Tigers a chance.
Alex Quigley continued her dominant season with another three goals to take her season tally to 35 from 12 games, while Tamsyn Kirk and Rhianna Nunn continued their superb seasons.
Despite another difficult day, Courteney Munn was the shining light kicking her third goal of the year, while Ruby Smith and Gemma Wright showed plenty of encouraging signs.
Oak Park will be hoping to put a dent into Moonee Valley’s finals hopes when they host the Fog at JP Fawkner Reserve, while Westmeadows will take on a fired up Essendon Doutta Stars at Buckley Park.
Alex Quigley starred again with another three goals. (Image: Moments by Shaun)
By Joseph Ibic
WEST COBURG 17.13 (115) def. RUPERTSWOOD 8.7 (55)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg recorded an easy 60 point win over Rupertswood in a result that further cements their position at the top of the ladder.
The Burgers would be pleased with the result as they were able to control the match for its entirety after starting the game with six unanswered goals.
Forward Omar Saad kicked five goals for the second week in a row taking his season tally to 45 goals which sees him sit at fourth spot on the leaderboard.
Tom Baravi was another of West Coburg’s notable players on the day as he continued the amazing form he has been in this season.
Despite the large margin, Rupertswood would be somewhat pleased that they were able to stop a huge blowout like the last time they faced West Coburg.
They would also take great heart from the fact they were able to outscore the top team in the division in the second quarter.
Rupertswood will face Craigieburn next week, while West Coburg will play Keilor Park.
CRAIGIEBURN 7.9 (51) def. by MOONEE VALLEY 11.8 (74)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley claimed a massive win in the context of their season as they defeated Craigieburn by 23 points.
The victory sees the Valley move a game clear of Rupertswood getting closer to escaping from the threat of relegation.
Harry Fry was among the best on ground scoring three goals for the Valley while racking up plenty of possessions, as Luke Denny was also prominent around the ground in the win.
Craigieburn’s bad form continued this weekend with the Eagles slumping to eight losses in a row after a promising start to the year.
Craigieburn next faces Rupertswood in a must-win clash for either side, while Moonee Valley takes on Hillside.
HILLSIDE 11.23 (89) def. TULLAMARINE 10.5 (65)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside overcame a strong Tullamarine challenge to claim a 24-point victory at Shark Park.
Hillside didn’t make it easy for themselves kicking a whopping 23 behinds to go with their 11 goals, but were eventually able to kick away from Tullamarine after trailing by a point at three quarter time.
Star forward Josh Covelli was once again dominant in front of goals booting five majors which takes his season tally to 82 goals, making a 100-goal season not out of the question.
Lachlan Henson was also among the best for the Sharks continuing his great form in recent weeks.
Tullamarine showed shades of their previous meeting putting up a valiant performance, matching it with the Sharks for the first three quarters before falling away in the last quarter.
Tulla faces Oak Park next weekend in an important clash for either side's finals hopes, while Hillside takes on Moonee Valley.
OAK PARK 18.7 (115) def. KEILOR PARK 6.5 (41)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park recorded a giant win over Keilor Park on the weekend, defeating the last-placed team by 74 points.
The win sees Oak Park stay in fifth place, eight points clear of sixth place as they look to continue to build on their great recent form.
Kane O’Halloran had a huge day out in front of goal scoring seven goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Paul Pascu was also impressive being crucial in Oak Park’s dominant win.
Keilor Park plays West Coburg next weekend, while Oak Park takes on Tullamarine.
ROXBURGH PARK 3.8 (26) def. by MARIBYRNONG PATK 24.12 (156)
MATCH CENTRE
It was another dominant win by Maribyrnong Park who thrashed Roxburgh Park by 130 points on the weekend.
The win was Marby’s third 100 point win in a row and it sends a huge statement to the rest of the finals contenders that Marby Park aren’t messing around.
James Kayrooz (seven goals) and Samuel Calleri (four goals) were immense up front for Marby Park as the side piled on 24 goals in the match, while the backline held up incredibly well only conceding three goals.
The Magpies started the day reasonably well with the first two goals of the game, but it was all downhill from there as they were thoroughly outplayed for the rest of the match.
Roxburgh Park will have next week off with the bye, while Marby Park will take on St Albans.
By Joseph Ibic
GREENVALE 5.4 (34) drew STRATHMORE/PASCOE VALE 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
The Jets started positively before the game was called off before half time due to an injury.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 9.2 (56) def. AIRPORT WEST 1.0 (6)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights claimed a huge win before finals, defeating the third place Airport West by 50 points in what was a big statement to the rest of the teams.
The Bears were both efficient up front kicking nine goals from 11 scoring shots, as well as well set up down back letting in just the one goal.
Forward Bella Negri was impressive booting three goals, while skipper Kayla Ravanello led from the front also kicking three majors and taking her season tally to 33 goals.
Airport West on the other hand will need a lot of improvement if they are to go deep in the finals series, being thoroughly outclassed again by the Bears.
Airport West will face Keilor Park at John McMahon Reserve in the elimination final next weekend, while Burnside Heights play in the qualifying final against Greenvale at Lakeside Reserve.
KEILOR PARK 0.1 (1) def. by TULLAMARINE 6.4 (40)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine have finished off their season on a positive note comfortably beating Keilor Park by 39 points.
Tulla finished the season in fifth position with just the four wins but would be delighted with their final match of the season as it gives them something to build towards for next year.
Demons captain Tricia Devine was once again among their most important and impactful players as she capped a brilliant season with two goals, leading her team to an impressive victory.
It was a really disappointing result for Keilor Park who now turn their attention towards the finals next week when they meet Airport West in an elimination final.
View this post on Instagram
By Joseph Ibic
NORTHERN SAINTS 3.6 (24) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 13.8 (86)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes claimed a convincing win in difficult conditions beating Northern Saints by 62 points.
The Lakers were slow out of the blocks as they kicked just one goal in the first quarter and trailed at quarter time.
However, strong second and third quarters cemented the win as they continue to look like the team to beat in the upcoming finals series.
Lachlan Rayner and Aaron Vendramini were among Taylors Lakes' most impactful contributors in the victory.
The Saints struggled in the wet weather scoring just three goals for the match, with two of those coming in the last quarter when the result was a foregone conclusion.
The loss does put a bit of a dent in their final aspirations but with their main competitors also losing, it wasn’t a massive disaster.
Northern Saints will play East Sunbury next week, while Taylors Lakes takes on Westmeadows.
HADFIELD 9.8 (62) def. COBURG DISTRICTS 7.8 (50)
MATCH CENTRE
Hadfield claimed a hard-fought win over local rivals Coburg Districts by 12 points.
The Hawks fought their way back into the match after trailing by over four goals early on in the first half.
The win puts Hadfield just six points outside the top four and if they continue their form from this match, they may have a sneaky chance of playing finals.
Jake and Zac Polizzi were key players in Hadfields' come from behind victory as their big second halves turned the tide of the match.
It was another frustrating loss for the Districts who would be bitterly disappointed at having lost a match against a lower-placed opponent after being up by a considerable margin.
The loss means that their finals chances have suffered a serious dent as they will now have to win their remaining games and hope results go their way.
Coburg Districts have next week off with the bye, while Hadfield comes up against Sunbury Kangaroos.
View this post on Instagram
GLENROY 7.8 (50) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 6.12 (48)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy recorded a nail biting victory over Sunbury Kangaroos by just two points.
Glenroy were trailing by a goal at the final change, but a big last quarter saw them just get over the line in a game that went down to the wire.
Aaron Kite led the charge for Glenroy in front of the big stick slotting three goals, while teammate Zac Smith was also one of the main contributors to the victory.
Sunbury Kangaroos have now slumped to four consecutive losses as a promising start to the year seems to be going astray.
The Kangaroos would be kicking themselves as inaccuracy in front of goals cost them in the end.
The Kangaroos next play Hadfield, while Glenroy will take on Burnside Heights.
EAST SUNBURY 1.4 (10) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 19.14 (128)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights claimed a massive victory over East Sunbury on the weekend defeating the last-placed side by 118 points.
The win sees Burnside move back up to top of the ladder based on their percentage.
Daniel Hovey (five goals) and Nick Gregson (four goals) were among the most prominent players for the Bears as they cruised to an easy win.
East Sunbury suffered another disheartening loss on the weekend going down by 100 points for the third week in a row while only scoring a single goal.
East Sunbury next faces Northern Saints, while Burnside plays Glenroy.
By Joseph Ibic
COBURG DISTRICTS 4.8 (32) def. EAST SUNBURY 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts sailed to a comfortable win over East Sunbury by 32 points despite the wet and muddy conditions of the ground.
While the Districts struggled to score goals themselves, they were able to keep their opponent scoreless while the four goals they did score proved to be enough.
Skipper Olivia Woods was once again the best on ground in the last game before finals and has shown no signs of slowing as the season reaches its peak.
Amy Ronchi was also noticeable kicking two of her team's four goals.
East Sunbury’s valiant season has now come to an end, while Coburg Districts face the Sunbury Lions in a qualifying final at Lakeside Reserve this weekend.
TAYLORS LAKES 4.8 (32) def. by ROXBURGH PARK 7.7 (49)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park have ended Taylors Lakes' finals dreams with a 17-point win at Lionheart Reserve.
Roxy are going into finals in brilliant form with seven wins from their last eight games and another month of great football like this could see them cause an upset and take the premiership home.
Forward Jameson Best’s three goals ended up being the difference between the two sides as the Lakers struggled to contain her when Roxy went forward.
Taylors Lakes' season has come to an end in heart-breaking fashion as they missed out on a spot in the finals due to percentage.
They would be proud of their efforts throughout the season and in their final game as they matched it with Roxburgh Park for the majority of the game.
Roxburgh Park takes on the Sunbury Kangaroos in an elimination final at John McMahon Reserve.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 0.2 (2) def. by SUNBURY LIONS 3.4 (22)
MATCH CENTRE
The Sunbury Lions finished off the home and away season with a 20-point win over their cross town rivals Sunbury Kangaroos, cementing top spot on the ladder.
The Lions were particularly good down back as they kept the Kangaroos goalless for the entire match in the wet conditions, and while they struggled to score goals of their own at different stages, the three goals they scored were more than enough to see them ease to victory.
The Sunbury Kangaroos will have their work cut out for them in the lead up to their first final next weekend as they were unable to kick a goal in the low-scoring encounter.
Although partially due to the wet conditions, their inability to score will be worrisome for the Kangaroos going forward.
The Sunbury Kangaroos take on Roxburgh Park in an elimination final next weekend, while Sunbury Lions will play Coburg Districts in the qualifying final.
Sunbury Lions secure the minor premiership. (Image: Moments by Shaun)
